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Building and Grounds

Building Services and Grounds

Building Services and Grounds at Norfolk State University

Building Services and Grounds is at the forefront of creating a more sustainable, efficient, and customer-centric campus environment. Tasked with maintaining five million square feet of diverse academic, administrative, athletic, and residential buildings, as well as 146 acres of landscaped grounds, our team plays a vital role in shaping the student, faculty, and staff experience at Norfolk State University.

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we are currently implementing a Strategic Plan that will guide the future of campus services, asset stewardship, and facilities management. This ambitious plan focuses on three key pillars:

  1. Operational Efficiency
  2. Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship
  3. Customer-Focused Service Delivery

Director Of Building Services and Grounds:

Towanda R. Colquiett

(757) 823-2772

trcolquiett@nsu.edu

Campus Buildings & Grounds

Mission Statement

Campus Buildings & Grounds' goal is to provide a clean, healthy, safe and well-maintained environment for all Norfolk States students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Building Services and Grounds

Housekeeping and Grounds teams work to provide and maintain a clean, healthy, and beautiful internal and external campus environment. We provide clean classrooms, landscaping, horticultural service, event set-up, and litter control campus wide. 

Routine Services

  • Cleaning of offices, office suites, conference rooms and labs, as well as emptying of recycling and trash receptacles, occurs on a scheduled basis.
  • Daily cleaning of restrooms, classrooms, and public areas such as hallways, lobbies and entryways

Non-Routine Services (Please submit TMA request for Non-Routine Services Facilities Management (TMA).)

  • Carpet extraction on a scheduled basis. 
  • Cleanup after indoor flooding. 
  • Floor maintenance such as scrubbing, stripping and refinishing. 
  • Snow removal from building entrances and exits (walkways, ramps and steps). 
  • Wall washing and graffiti removal. 
  • Pest control contractor coordination.
  • Exterior window cleaning contractor coordination.

 Landscape Services

Landscape Services is entrusted with the care and maintenance of the 146-acre Norfolk State University campus, a responsibility we undertake with pride and a deep sense of commitment. Our dedicated, service-oriented team works tirelessly to create, maintain, and preserve spaces that are both functional and beautiful.

At Norfolk State University, our grounds are more than just landscapes—they are sacred, historical, and contemplative spaces that support the campus community. From lush green lawns to quiet reflection areas, our landscapes are integral to the educational and cultural experience at NSU.

Landscape and Grounds Maintenance Services Include:

  • Fertilizing Treatments: We apply specialized fertilizers to keep lawns, trees, and plants healthy, ensuring vibrant growth and lush, green spaces throughout campus.
  • Mowing and Trimming Grass: Regular mowing and trimming to maintain well-groomed lawns and grounds. We strive for neat, tidy, and inviting outdoor spaces.
  • Trash and Litter Pickup: Our team ensures the campus grounds are clean and free of litter. We perform regular trash pickup to maintain the aesthetic appeal of all areas.
  • Pruning Trees and Shrubs: Regular pruning of trees and shrubs to promote healthy growth, enhance the appearance of the campus, and prevent overgrowth that may obstruct walkways or campus facilities.
  • Designing and Maintaining Flower Beds: We design, plant, and maintain seasonal and perennial flower beds across campus, adding color and beauty to key areas while improving the campus’ overall aesthetic.
  • Water and Pest Control Treatment: We apply water treatments to ensure proper hydration of plants and lawns, and pest control treatments to protect campus greenery from harmful insects or diseases.

 

Landscape Construction Services Include:

  • Planting, Removing, and Replacing Trees and Shrubs: We manage the planting and removal of trees and shrubs throughout campus, ensuring the right species for the environment and aesthetic of each location. We also handle replacements as needed for health and safety reasons.
  • Sodding, Seeding, and Turf Renovation: Our team renovates and revitalizes campus turf areas by sodding and seeding lawns, ensuring the campus green spaces remain vibrant and healthy. We focus on maintaining strong, sustainable turf to support high-traffic areas and beautify the landscape.
  • Campus Paving Contractor Coordination: We oversee the coordination of paving projects, ensuring roads, walkways, and other paved surfaces are installed or repaired in line with the campus’ overall design plan. This includes both functional and decorative paving for pedestrian and vehicular access.

Snow & Ice Removal Include:

During the winter months, Snow & Ice Removal Services are essential to ensure the safety, accessibility, and smooth operation of Norfolk State University’s campus. Our team works proactively and efficiently to clear snow and ice from key areas across the campus, ensuring that all members of the university community can move around safely, even during the harshest weather conditions.

  • Accessible Bus Services and Shuttle Routes: We prioritize clearing bus routes and shuttle stops to ensure that accessible transportation is available for all students and staff, even during adverse weather conditions.
  • Delivery and Unloading Zones: We maintain clear access to delivery and unloading zones, ensuring that essential services and shipments to the university are not disrupted by snow and ice.
  • Fire Lanes and Roadways: Fire lanes and emergency access roads are cleared first to ensure that emergency services can reach any part of the campus without delay.
  • Parking Lots: We focus on clearing parking lots designated for faculty, staff, on-campus students, and off-campus commuting students, ensuring that all vehicles have safe access to parking spaces.
  • Public Stairways: Snow and ice are promptly removed from public stairways to prevent slips and falls, especially in high-traffic areas.
  • Sidewalks and Curb Cuts: We clear all sidewalks and curb cuts, ensuring that pedestrians can safely navigate the campus, including individuals with disabilities who rely on accessible paths and ramps.
  • Athletic Field Maintenance
  • Provides Norfolk State University intramural, club, and varsity athletes with the best possible playing surfaces.

  •  Moving & Transportation Services

    Building Services and Grounds at Norfolk State University

    At Building Services and Grounds, we understand that campus moves—whether it’s an event setup, single office, an entire department, or anything in between—require careful planning and execution. Our knowledgeable, courteous, professional team is here to ensure your move is smooth, safe, and efficient.

    Important Information:

  • Request Time line: To ensure adequate preparation time and resource availability, all moving requests must be submitted at least five days in advance of the planned move date.
  • Scheduling: Please plan accordingly and submit your moving requests early to secure the necessary support and avoid scheduling conflicts.

  • >> To schedule a move, please contact Facilities Management (TMA).